When a Ride ISN'T Just a Ride...

[Raptor]

For the past few days my routine rides into work and back have been anything but routine. I have had some amazing interactions with some of the 2-wheeled brothers that travel my normal route. The morning runs have been filled with big waves and salutations from the guys I see almost every morning. This includes the normally stand-offish cruiser guys. It's been really cool.

But the romps home have been nothing short of incredible. Guys are actually joining up and we are riding together! The cruisers will ride for a while but either the pace is too much or they just don't want to be seen for too long next to a Spyder (speculating here) and they break off after a while. But it's OK, It's fun while it lasts.

The sport guys however - I have been having a blast with these guys! Yesterday, while about 15 miles in I was just hummin along when a Yamaha FZ8 (I'm pretty sure that's what it was) swooped in on my six from my starboard side. Really nice bike, and blacked out just like 14! At first I thought he was just going to peek-and-run, but he stayed tucked in behind me. We were now in a nice, tight two-ship and lookin pretty sharp! So I cranked it up a bit - and he stayed right there! We began making moves together, never breaking formation. He was drafting me but I didn't mind at all. This was getting good!

After a while he pulled up along side and we exchanged salutations and thumbs-up etc. He then pulled up to point and I assumed wingman slot. Again I figured he would just pull away but he allowed me to stay with him. We tightened up formation and cranked it up some more. He was a darn good rider so I knew I had to bring my A game to keep up. But Each time he would make a move he would look back to see if I was still there- And I was! I could see him nodding in approval each time.

Anyway, this went on for quite a while, and the time just flew. I was having so much fun I almost missed my turn-off! But I pulled up, gave one last wave and broke away to exit for home. That was about as much fun as I have had on 14 since I got her. It was so cool that he stuck around and rode. I'm quite sure he could have just left me in the dust any time he wanted.

I think the most positive aspect of this is that before I would either get ignored or snubbed. That doesn't seem to be the case anymore. I think the Spyder is finally gaining some acceptance in the community - and it feels great! :2thumbs:

Maybe I'll see that FZ again some time - we'll go for round two! :doorag:

 

[Barbary]

:2thumbs: :yes::clap:

 

[CyncySpyder]

:2thumbs:

 

[docdoru]

Nice :thumbup:
For one reason or another, the sport bikers are more attracted to Spyders...opcorn:

 

[COOLMACHINE]

Nice

Glad you are having fun on your machine Raptor!

 

[SpyderGirl]

You and I really need to hook up man!!

 

[ARtraveler]

Sounds like the :spyder2: is working its magic. Enjoy the rides!:2thumbs::2thumbs:

 

[TicketBait]

great story telling, but when you refer to 14 twice you lost me. :dontknow:

 

[GeminiJane]

What a great report! Maybe you'll see him around again.

 

[Raptor]

great story telling, but when you refer to 14 twice you lost me. :dontknow:

Sorry about that Sir! My 2009 Phantom is number 14 of 500 built, so one day soon after I got her home I gave her the name of 14. SO when you read of me referring to 14, that's my baby!

 

[SethO]

Nice :thumbup:
For one reason or another, the sport bikers are more attracted to Spyders...opcorn:

I would agree with this doc but I think that it also comes from what people in the area you ride in come to expect, its the same in dirt town but of the way I ride.

Don't get me wrong some of the cruiser guys will still cut around but I have ran into more cruiser guys saying stuff like "I would not spend 20k on a bike" or " don't you ever wash that thing"

Raptor that is a great story, those are some of the best days I have had.

 

[Raptor]

I would agree with this doc but I think that it also comes from what people in the area you ride in come to expect, its the same in dirt town but of the way I ride.

Don't get me wrong some of the cruiser guys will still cut around but I have ran into more cruiser guys saying stuff like "I would not spend 20k on a bike" or " don't you ever wash that thing"

Raptor that is a great story, those are some of the best days I have had.

Thanks guys. Seth, I hear you brother! I sure didn't mean any disrepect to the cruiser guys, but for some reason the set is just different. Not in a bad way, just different. I have had some great chats with many cruisers. They speak of their experiences, where they've been and so on. I love to listen and I enjoy being in their company. Heck, one day at Alice's Restaraunt (sort of a local hang out for bikers here) a whole group invited me to join them for lunch!

But when it comes to riding, the sport guys seem to speak more to my spirit. They seem a bit more accepting. And they seem more curious about the Spyder. When I am with them, the conversation tends to get much more technical, more about technique, the machines, stories of track days. Things like that. And then... shredding usually ensues!

 

[Raptor]

You and I really need to hook up man!!

Yes indeed. We look forward to that. :thumbup:

 

[XLT]

:2thumbs:

Nice :thumbup:
For one reason or another, the sport bikers are more attracted to Spyders...opcorn:

I agree- sports bike styling is closer to a spyder in my mind. The sport riders are generally younger more ethnically diverse not as hung up on what does or does not constitute a bike. They just see it as unique, different and modern - less likely to judge the 3 wheels- they just think 2 wheels up front... hmm...It looks fast...I wonder how it handles.......OMG..FNA!!!

 

[SNSTRO]

Why Cruisers are not fond of Spyders

I think the Cruisers don’t like the Spyder because… it’s like bringing a Lamborghini to a Model T convention.. Like pulling out an iphone when everyone else is talking on a CB radio.. Carrying a MAG Light when everyone else in the mob is holding a torch.. In the Beginning the dinosaurs laughed at the newly evolved mammals.. Hmmm…

 

[Bob Denman]

The big touring rigs always seem to be pretty friendly... Oddly enough I've only found that Harleys and Beemers are the ones that are ignoring me on the road... :helpsmilie::hun:

 

[chascarpenter1]

The thing I love most about the riding community is the interesting and diverse people you meet along the way. Yes, sometimes i do meet riders who are hung up on labels and brands but honestly this is the minority. I always have unique experiences when I just head out and see who and what the road brings.

 

[XLT]

The thing I love most about the riding community is the interesting and diverse people you meet along the way. Yes, sometimes i do meet riders who are hung up on labels and brands but honestly this is the minority. I always have unique experiences when I just head out and see who and what the road brings.

True- I know this topic comes up alot. I get the most positve feedback from sports bike riders, but also the vast majority of everyone else. I don't think anything in my area with the exception of the occasional exotic sports car or extreme chopper gets more positive attention.
Well maybe my wife driving her dark silver Z3 Roadster with the top down. (as you can tell I'm proud to say)

 

[GeminiJane]

I think we women riders generally find even more of a broad acceptance. A guy riding any bike seems to feel comfortable walking up and asking questions without having any "ego" issues involved. That's what I love about the biking community - whether I show up for a CMA event featuring mostly Harley cruisers that my brother is deeply involved with - or ride with the young sport riders, they all respect riding ability and the shared joy of a good ride. The young kids even seem to get a kick out of me taking them on a good corner - no hard feelings, just an interest in what bike I'm riding.